The Stayner Brothers: From Yosemite Hero to Yosemite Killer

from Criminal, Interrupted · host Sophie Imogen

The American family tragedy started in 1972 with a kidnapping that shocked the nation. For seven years, the Stayners lived a nightmare until Steven Stayner returned home a hero. But that same trauma consumed his older brother, Cary Stayner, who felt profoundly neglected in the shadow of the media spotlight.In this episode of Criminal, Interrupted, we trace the devastating connection between a child's rescue and a serial killer's rise. From the manipulation of Kenneth Parnell to the brutal, calculated murders of Carole Sund, Juli Sund, Silvina Pelosso, and Joie Armstrong.Content Warning:This episode details murder, sexual descriptions and child abduction. Listener discretion is advised. References:Wikipedia: Cary StaynerWikipedia: Steven StaynerWikipedia: Kenneth ParnellYouTube: This Is Monsters - The Story of Cary StaynerYouTube: TrueLives - The Serial Killer Who Attacked Yosemite Park TouristsYouTube: Truly Criminal - The Yosemite Park MurdersThe Modesto Bee: Stayner SentencedThe Modesto Bee: Waiting Out Death PenaltyThe San Francisco Chronicle: The Case of a Lifetime (Part 1 & 2)

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Nov 5, 2025

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The Stayner Brothers: From Yosemite Hero to Yosemite Killer

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